The schism between LGBTQ-inclusive congregations and traditionalist churches continues ahead of the global denomination’s upcoming 2024 conference in Charlotte.
113 local churches in South Carolina will soon separate from the United Methodist Church (UMC), including seven in the Rock Hill area.
In a news release Tuesday, the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMCSC) confirmed the 2023 South Carolina Annual Conference voted overwhelmingly to approve the closure of the churches who voted to leave in a process described as “somber and respectful” by state church leaders. The closure doesn’t mean the churches are shuttered; rather, the local congregations are simply no longer within the United Methodist denomination.
“For those who are leaving us, we bless you and send you on your way. For those who are remaining, we pray that God gives us a new will to do what God has called us to do. May it become clear, may it become important, may it move from our heads to our hearts.,” said Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
Tuesday’s vote is among the latest developments in an ongoing schism within the UMC. At the core of the split is disagreement over LGBTQ inclusion and ordination. While the denomination’s Book of Discipline has long held that same-sex marriages and ordaining openly gay clergy are not in line with UMC beliefs, a growing number of churches in recent years have defied that declaration and pushed for a shift to more LGBTQ-inclusive practices.
The churches leaving the UMC have expressed frustration with the more LGBTQ-inclusive congregations’ push. Some of those leaving have opted to join the more theologically-conservative Global Methodist Church that was formally launched in May 2022. Other churches have opted to become non-denominational or explore other options.
Read more at: www.wcnc.com